Method and system for adjusting the beam direction of a vehicle's headlights

Abstract

A method for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights (6) of a vehicle (1) based on a given vehicle configuration, characterized by a step in which, based on a detected request for a change in said given vehicle configuration, which includes a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis, an automatic adjustment (S1) of said beam direction is carried out by readjusting the vehicle's headlights, the method further comprising: transmitting, via a connection (20a), a signal to a means (120) for detecting the request, which contains data for requesting the change in said given vehicle configuration resulting in the beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis (1), via a connection (20a), and receiving, via the electronic control unit (100),via a connection (20b) a signal from the means (120) for determining the requirement, which contains adaptation data for adjusting the beam direction based on the determined requirement.

Description

Technical area One object of the invention is a method for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Another object of the invention is a system for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle. A further object of the invention is a motor vehicle. In addition, the invention relates to a computer program and a computer program product. background For vehicles, it is important that the headlight beam direction is correctly adjusted. In certain situations, the vehicle's configuration, including its tilt, can cause the beam direction to change. To compensate for this change and adjust the beam direction accordingly, vehicles equipped with an air suspension system use this system to adjust the vehicle's level, thus aligning the beam direction with the altered position. However, there are cases where the vehicle's level is automatically adjusted at the front or rear, for example, in trucks when the support axle is raised, which lifts the rear of the chassis relative to the front, and in refuse collection vehicles, where the front of the chassis is raised when the parking brake is applied. This causes the chassis to tilt, resulting in incorrect headlight beam direction. Incorrect headlight adjustment leads to a deterioration of visibility and incorrect lighting, and may violate applicable regulations. DE 10 2004 043 486 A1 discloses that, in order to prevent contamination of the tilt sensor by flying material, such as jets of dirty water distributed by the rotating wheels of the vehicle itself, which can lead to a false detection of the vehicle's tilt to the road surface, a vehicle equipped with a tilt sensor for detecting a vehicle tilt to the road surface is proposed, wherein the sensor is arranged on the underside of the vehicle at a position within the wheels and a cover element is provided with at least one side cover section for covering the wheel side of the tilt sensor or a rear side section for covering the rear side of the tilt sensor in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. DE 10 2005 061 094 A1 discloses a headlight for vehicles with a headlight range control by which a light distribution with a cut-off line can be vertically adjusted. The cut-off line runs essentially horizontally, at least in the area of ​​the vehicle's own lane to be illuminated, and is symmetrical. The light distribution in this area has a high intensity below the cut-off line. The cut-off line between the low beam and high beam light distributions can be adjusted vertically by means of a headlight range control or a separate control. The headlight has a fail-safe device, which eliminates glare for oncoming traffic in the event of a mechanical jamming of the headlight range control or an electrical failure of the actuator by means of a manual or electrical adjustment device. DE 10 2012 014 867 A1 discloses a method for improving the vehicle performance of a motor vehicle that has at least one drive axle equipped with drive wheels and at least one support axle equipped with support wheels. This method comprises the following steps: determining the axle pressure of the aforementioned at least one drive axle; locating the vehicle's position using a navigation system to determine the permissible axle pressure on the current route; comparing the aforementioned determined axle pressure with the aforementioned permissible axle pressure; displaying the result of the aforementioned comparison; and controlling the position of the aforementioned support axle to raise the support wheels from the road surface or lower the support wheels onto the road surface. Object of the invention One object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle based on a given vehicle configuration, which can effectively make changes to the beam direction of the headlights of the vehicle. Summary of the invention This problem, and further problems and advantages that can be seen from the description below, are solved or achieved by a method and a system, as well as by a motor vehicle, a computer program, and a computer program product in the embodiment described above, which also has the features specified in the characterizing part of the accompanying independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in the accompanying dependent claims. According to the invention, the problems are solved by a method for adjusting the beam direction of a vehicle's headlights based on the given vehicle configuration. This method includes a step in which, based on a detected requirement for a change in the given vehicle configuration, which includes a change in the vehicle's chassis level that alters the beam direction, the beam direction is automatically adjusted by readjusting the vehicle's headlights. This ensures that the beam direction of the vehicle's headlights remains consistent during such a change in level, thus preventing incorrect beam direction and allowing the vehicle to be driven with increased safety, as the driver's vision is not impaired and / or other road users are not dazzled. According to one embodiment of the method, the aforementioned requirement refers to a change in the given vehicle configuration that causes a direct change in the level of the vehicle's chassis, thus altering the beam direction. This enables effective adjustment of the beam direction in the event of such a requirement resulting in a direct change in level. According to one embodiment of the method, the aforementioned requirement refers to a change in load distribution that causes a direct change in the level of the vehicle's chassis, thus altering the beam direction. This enables effective adjustment of the beam direction when a load distribution change is required. According to one embodiment of the method, the aforementioned requirement relates to a change in the given vehicle configuration that causes an indirect change in the vehicle's chassis level, thus altering the beam direction. This enables effective adjustment of the beam direction in the event of such a requirement resulting in an indirect change in level. According to one embodiment of the method, the aforementioned requirement relates to a change in the support axis setting, which is linked to an indirect change in the level of the vehicle's chassis that alters the beam direction. This enables effective adjustment of the beam direction when a change in the support axis setting is required. According to one embodiment of the method, the aforementioned request is made by the driver of the vehicle. According to one embodiment of the method, the aforementioned requirement is fulfilled automatically. The embodiments of the system have the same advantages as the corresponding embodiments of the above-mentioned method. Image description The present invention is better understood by reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings. The same reference designations in the various figures consistently refer to the same parts. Figures 1a and 1b schematically show a side view of a motor vehicle equipped with headlights in different positions according to known technology; Figures 2a and 2b schematically show a side view of a motor vehicle equipped with headlights in the same positions as the vehicle in Figures 1a and 1b according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 schematically shows a top view of the motor vehicle 1 in Figures 2a-b with the chassis and the air suspension system; Figure 4 schematically shows a system for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle based on a given vehicle configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3Figure 5 schematically shows a block diagram of a method for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle based on a given vehicle configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 schematically shows a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Description of embodiments In the present patent description, the term "connection" refers to a communication connection, which may be a physical line, such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical line, such as a wireless connection in the form of a radio or microwave connection. In this patent description, the term "given vehicle configuration" refers to how the vehicle is positioned with respect to the beam direction of the vehicle's headlights. This position includes the vehicle's inclination, the level of the vehicle's chassis, the distance of the chassis from the road surface, and / or the position of the vehicle's front and rear axles. Figures 1a and 1b schematically show a side view of a motor vehicle 1' in different positions according to known technology. Vehicle 1 in the example is a heavy vehicle in the form of a truck. However, the vehicle could also be a bus or a passenger car. The vehicle is a heavy vehicle, such as a truck, with a front axle, a rear drive axle, and a rear support axle. Shown are the right front wheel RF for the front axle, the right drive wheel RD for the drive axle, and the right support wheel RS for the support axle. Vehicle 1' comprises a chassis 5. The vehicle 1' has headlights 6, which are placed in the front part of the vehicle to illuminate the area in front of the vehicle in a specific beam direction D with a light beam 6a. The vehicle includes a level control system in the form of an air suspension system. Fig. 1a schematically shows the vehicle 1' on a level roadway G in a given vehicle configuration of the vehicle 1' with the support axle lowered, the support wheel LS of the support axle touching the roadway G, so that the drive wheel LD and the support wheel LS are in contact with the roadway G, which results in the load being distributed between the drive axle and the support axle. The beam direction D of the headlights 6' of the vehicle is the desired beam direction, which here essentially corresponds to the horizontal direction parallel to a horizontal line H. Fig. 1b schematically shows vehicle 1' on a level roadway G. The vehicle configuration has been changed compared to Fig. 1a due to a requirement to modify the vehicle configuration, specifically a change in the support axle setting to a new configuration of vehicle 1' with the support axle raised. In this configuration, the support wheel LS of the support axle is lifted from the roadway, so that only the drive wheel LD remains in contact with the roadway. As a result, the load is borne by the drive axle and not by the support axle.The change in vehicle configuration in the form of a change in the support axis setting, so that the support axis is raised, results in a change in the level of the vehicle's chassis and therefore also in the beam direction D of the headlights 6' of vehicle 1', so that the beam direction deviates by an angle α from the desired beam direction, which here corresponds to the horizontal line H. When such a requirement is made to raise the support axle, the vehicle's chassis is raised so that the rear of the chassis is higher than the front and consequently tilted at a specific angle. The degree of raising depends on the axles, the type of support axle suspension, and other factors. Figures 2a and 2b schematically show a side view of a motor vehicle 1 in the same positions as the vehicle 1' in Figures 1a and 1b according to an embodiment of the present invention; The vehicle 1 according to the present invention differs from vehicle 1' in that vehicle 1 has a system I for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle based on a given vehicle configuration. Fig. 2a schematically shows the vehicle 1 on a level roadway G in a given vehicle configuration of the vehicle 1 with lowered support axis, where the beam direction D of the headlights 6 of the vehicle is the desired beam direction. Fig. 2b also schematically shows vehicle 1 on a level roadway G. The vehicle configuration has been changed compared to Fig. 2a by requiring a change in the vehicle configuration in the form of a change in the support axle setting to a new, given vehicle configuration of vehicle 1 with the support axle raised. This requirement to change the support axle setting, so that the support axle is raised, results in a change in the level of the vehicle's chassis 5.System I and the method according to the present invention automatically adjust the beam direction D of the headlights 6 of vehicle 1 by adjusting the headlights based on a request for a change in the vehicle configuration in the form of a support axle lift, which results in an indirect change in the level of the vehicle's chassis, so that the beam direction corresponds to the desired beam direction. The beam direction D deviates from the inclination of the vehicle's chassis 5 by an angle α, which corresponds to the change in the chassis's level. As shown in Fig. 2a, the beam direction D continues to run parallel to the horizontal line H. Fig. 3 schematically shows a top view of a motor vehicle 1 with the chassis and the air suspension system. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle frame 2, 3, a front axle X1 with the two front wheels RF and LF, a rear drive axle X2 with the two drive wheels RD and LD, and a rear support axle X3 with the support wheels RS and LS. The vehicle frame 2, 3 is part of the chassis 5 of the vehicle. The motor vehicle 1 also includes an air suspension system with a bellows configuration. The bellows configuration comprises a first bellows unit B1, located on the right side of the front axle X1, and a second bellows unit B2, located on the left side of the front axle X1. The first and second bellows units B1 and B2 form a bellows pair and are connected to each other by an air supply, with one bellows located on each side of the axle X1. The bellows configuration also includes a third bellows unit B3, located on the right side of the rear drive axle X2, and a fourth bellows unit B4, located on the left side of the rear drive axle X2. The third and fourth bellows units B3 and B4 form a bellows pair and are connected by an air supply, with one bellows located on each side of axle X2. The bellows configuration also includes a fifth bellows unit B5, located on the right side of the rear support axis X3, and a sixth bellows unit B6, located on the left side of the rear support axis X6. The fifth and sixth bellows units B5 and B6 form a bellows pair and are connected by an air supply, with one bellows located on each side of axis X3. The bellows configuration also includes a seventh bellows unit B7, which is arranged on the rear support axis X3. The seventh bellows unit B7 consists of a bellows. According to one embodiment of the invention, the seventh bellows unit serves to raise and lower the support axis X3 by regulating the air in the seventh bellows unit B7. The bellows units B1-B7 are arranged between the vehicle frames 2, 3 and the respective axle. The vehicle can be raised and lowered by regulating the air pressure in the bellows units. The air suspension system also includes a level control unit 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The level control unit 200 comprises an air valve configuration. The level control unit 200 with the air valve configuration is connected to the bellows configuration B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7 and serves to regulate the air pressure in the bellows units B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7 of the bellows configuration. The level control unit 200 of the air suspension system serves to perform the desired level adjustments. The motor vehicle also includes an air pressure source configuration 210, which supplies air to the air valve configuration of the level control unit 200. The bellows units B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 and B7 of the bellows configuration each include a pressure sensor that serves to measure the air pressure in the respective bellows unit. The aforementioned raising and lowering is based on input data for the request of a direct and / or indirect level control of the vehicle in the form of a level change of the vehicle's chassis. The aforementioned raising and lowering involves a change in level in the form of raising and lowering the chassis 5 of the vehicle based on a requirement to modify the given vehicle configuration, which includes a change in the vehicle chassis's level that alters the direction of the beam. Such a requirement includes a change in the given vehicle configuration, which includes a direct change in the vehicle chassis's level that alters the direction of the beam. For example, this could be a requirement to change the load distribution. Such a requirement also includes a change in the given vehicle configuration, which includes an indirect change in the vehicle chassis's level that alters the direction of the beam. For example, this could be a requirement to change the support axis setting. The bellows configuration includes a device for determining the axle load of axles X1, X2, and X3. Bellows units B1 and B2 are located on the front axle X1 and include a device for determining the axle load of the front axle X1. Bellows units B3 and B4 are located on the drive axle and include a device for determining the drive axle load. Bellows units B5 and B6 are located on the support axle and include a device for determining the support axle load. The bellows configuration also includes a device for determining the vehicle weight. System I comprises an air suspension system or is connected to an air suspension system for signal transmission. System I comprises a level control unit 200 or is connected to a level control unit 200 for signal transmission. System I comprises a means for continuously detecting changes in the given vehicle configuration, including a means for continuously detecting the vehicle level. System I for adjusting the beam direction of a vehicle's headlights based on a current vehicle configuration is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4. The means for continuously determining the vehicle level comprises a first level sensor L1, which is arranged on the first bellows unit B1 and serves to determine the level of the vehicle frame 2, 3 with respect to a reference level at said bellows unit B1. According to one variant, the reference level consists of the front axle X1 and / or the right front wheel RF. The means for continuously determining the vehicle level includes a second level sensor L2, which is arranged on the second bellows unit B1 and serves to determine the level of the vehicle frame 2, 3 with respect to a reference level at said bellows unit B2. According to one variant, the reference level consists of the front axle X1 and / or the left front wheel LF. The means for continuously determining the vehicle level includes a third level sensor L3, which is arranged on the third bellows unit B3 and serves to determine the level of the vehicle frame 2, 3 with respect to a reference level at said bellows unit B3. According to one variant, the reference level consists of the drive axle X2 and / or the right drive wheel RD. The means for continuously determining the vehicle level includes a fourth level sensor L4, which is arranged on the fourth bellows unit B4 and serves to determine the level of the vehicle frame 2, 3 with respect to a reference level at said bellows unit B4. According to one variant, the reference level consists of the drive axle X2 and / or the left drive wheel LD. The means for continuously determining the vehicle level includes a fifth level sensor L5, which is arranged on the fifth bellows unit B5 and serves to determine the level of the vehicle frame 2, 3 with respect to a reference level at said bellows unit B5. According to one variant, the reference level consists of the support axle X3 and / or the right support wheel RD. The means for continuously determining the vehicle level includes a sixth level sensor L6, which is arranged on the sixth bellows unit B6 and serves to determine the level of the vehicle frame 2, 3 with respect to a reference level at said bellows unit B6. According to one variant, the reference level consists of the support axle X3 and / or the left support wheel LD. The level control unit 200 can continuously receive information regarding the level from the aforementioned level sensors L1-L6. The vehicle described above with reference to Fig. 3 has a front axle X1, a drive axle X2, and a support axle X3. However, the invention can be applied to any suitable vehicle, such as one with a front axle and a rear axle, one with two-wheel or four-wheel drive, one with two front axles, one drive axle, and one support axle, or one with additional wheel axles, such as ten or twelve wheel axles with one or more drive axles. Such vehicles can be equipped with an air suspension system, as shown in Fig. 2. The vehicle described above with reference to Fig. 2 has an air suspension system for leveling the vehicle. However, the invention is applicable to any suitable leveling system for leveling the vehicle with any suitable air suspension system. Fig. 4 schematically shows a system I for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle based on a given vehicle configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. System I includes a means 110 for requesting a change to the aforementioned given vehicle configuration with a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. The means 110 for the request includes a means 112 for requesting a change to the said given vehicle configuration, which causes a direct beam-direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. Means 110 for requesting a change include means 112a for requesting a load distribution change that causes a direct change in the level of the vehicle's chassis, altering the direction of the beam. Means 112 for requesting a change to the given vehicle configuration, causing a direct change in the level of the vehicle's chassis, also includes means 112a for requesting a load distribution change. Means 110 for requesting include means 114 for requesting a change to the aforementioned given vehicle configuration, which causes an indirect beam-direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. Means 110 for requesting include means 114a for requesting a change to the support axis setting, combined with an indirect beam-direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. Means 114 for requesting a change to the aforementioned given vehicle configuration, which causes an indirect beam-direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis, includes means 114a for requesting a change to the support axis setting. Means 110 for requesting a command include means 116 for the driver of the vehicle to issue said command. Means 116 for the driver of the vehicle to issue said command includes an actuating device for this command. The resource 110 for the request includes a resource 118 for the automatic issuance of the aforementioned request. System I comprises a means 120 for determining a requirement for a change to the aforementioned given vehicle configuration involving a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. According to one variant, the means for determining the requirement can be the electronic control unit 100. The means 120 for determining a requirement comprises a means 122 for determining a change in the given vehicle configuration. The means 122 for determining a change in the given vehicle configuration comprises a level sensor element. According to one variant, said level sensor element comprises level sensors as described in the level sensor description with reference to Fig. 3. System I comprises a device 130, which serves to automatically adjust the beam direction based on a detected request for a change in the given vehicle configuration involving a change in the vehicle's chassis level that alters the beam direction. The device 130, which serves to automatically adjust the beam direction based on a detected request for a change in the given vehicle configuration involving a change in the vehicle's chassis level that alters the beam direction, comprises a device 132 for adjusting the vehicle's headlight settings. The device 130 for adjusting the beam direction is therefore actuated by the device 132 to change the vehicle's headlight settings. System I includes a means 132 for changing the setting of the vehicle's headlights based on a determined requirement for a change in the aforementioned given vehicle configuration with a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. The means 132 for changing the setting of the vehicle's headlights comprises any suitable means for changing the setting, such as a motor unit which may consist of one or more motors in the form of an electric motor or the like. The electronic control unit 100 is connected to the means 110 via a connection 10 for signal transmission in order to request a change to the given vehicle configuration, including a change in the beam direction and level of the vehicle chassis. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the means 110 via connection 10 containing data to request a change to the given vehicle configuration, including a change in the beam direction and level of the vehicle chassis. The electronic control unit 100 is connected to the means 112 via a connection 12 for signal transmission in order to request a change to the given vehicle configuration, resulting in a direct change in the vehicle's chassis's level and direction of the beam. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the means 112 via connection 12 containing data for requesting a change to the given vehicle configuration, resulting in a direct change in the vehicle's chassis's level and direction of the beam. According to one variant, this data includes data for requesting a change in the load distribution, which results in a direct change in the vehicle's chassis's level and direction of the beam. The electronic control unit 100 is connected to the means 114 via a connection 14 for signal transmission in order to request a change to the given vehicle configuration, resulting in an indirect change to the vehicle chassis's level and beam direction. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the means 114 via connection 14 containing data for requesting a change to the given vehicle configuration, resulting in an indirect change to the vehicle chassis's level and beam direction. According to one variant, this data includes data for requesting a change to the support axis setting, which is associated with an indirect change to the vehicle chassis's level and beam direction. The electronic control unit 100 is connected via a connection 16 to the means 116 for signal transmission, enabling the driver of the vehicle to issue the aforementioned request. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the means 116 via connection 16 containing data for manually requesting a change to the given vehicle configuration. The electronic control unit 100 is connected via a connection 18 to the device 118 for the purpose of automatically issuing the aforementioned request. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the device 118 via connection 18, containing data for automatically requesting a change to the aforementioned given vehicle configuration. The electronic control unit 100 is connected to the means 120 via a connection 20a for signal transmission in order to detect a request for a change in the given vehicle configuration that results in a change in the beam direction and level of the vehicle chassis. The electronic control unit 100 can transmit a signal to the means 120 via connection 20a containing data for requesting a change in the given vehicle configuration that results in a change in the beam direction and level of the vehicle chassis. The electronic control unit 100 is connected to the means 120 via a connection 20b for signal transmission in order to detect a request for a change in the given vehicle configuration that results in a change in the beam direction and level of the vehicle's chassis. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the means 120 via connection 20b containing adaptation data for adjusting the beam direction based on the detected request. The electronic control unit 100 is connected via a connection 22a to the means 122 for signal transmission to detect a change in the given vehicle configuration. The electronic control unit 100 can transmit a signal via connection 22a to the means 122 containing data on the change in the said given vehicle configuration, resulting in a beam-direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis, including level change data for changing the level of the vehicle's chassis. The electronic control unit 100 is connected via a connection 22b to the means 122 for signal transmission to detect a change in the given vehicle configuration. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the means 122 via connection 22b, which contains adaptation data for adjusting the beam direction based on the detected change in the given vehicle configuration. The electronic control unit 100 is connected to the device 130 via a connection 30a for signal transmission in order to automatically adjust the beam direction based on a detected request for a change in the given vehicle configuration that results in a change in the vehicle's chassis level, thus altering the beam direction. The electronic control unit 100 can transmit a signal to the device 130 via connection 30a containing data for the automatic adjustment of the beam direction. The electronic control unit 100 is connected to the device 130 via a connection 30b for signal transmission in order to automatically adjust the beam direction based on a detected request for a change in the given vehicle configuration that results in a change in the vehicle's chassis level, thus altering the beam direction. The electronic control unit 100 can receive a signal from the device 130 via connection 30b containing setting data for adjusting the vehicle's headlights. The electronic control unit 100 is connected via connection 32 to the device 132 for adjusting the vehicle's headlights for signal transmission. The electronic control unit 100 can transmit a signal to the device 132 via connection 32, containing adjustment data for adjusting the vehicle's headlights. The electronic control unit 100 can process the aforementioned data to request a change to the aforementioned given vehicle configuration, which results in a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis, and transmit the aforementioned processed data regarding the request to the means 120 for the purpose of determining the request. The electronic control unit 100 can process the aforementioned adaptation data for adjusting the beam direction based on the determined requirement, as well as data for changing the aforementioned given vehicle configuration, which results in a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis, including level change data for changing the level of the vehicle's chassis, and transmit the aforementioned processed data for automatic adjustment of the beam direction to the means 130. The electronic control unit 100 can process the aforementioned setting data and transmit the processed setting data to the device 132 to adjust the vehicle's headlights. The device 132 can adjust the vehicle's headlights based on changes in the vehicle's chassis level. Fig. 5 schematically shows a block diagram of a method for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle based on a given vehicle configuration. According to one embodiment, the method for adjusting the beam direction of a vehicle's headlights based on a given vehicle configuration comprises a step S1. In this step, the beam direction is automatically adjusted by adjusting the vehicle's headlights based on a detected requirement for a change in the given vehicle configuration with a beam-direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. According to one embodiment, the aforementioned requirement refers to a modification of the given vehicle configuration that causes a direct change in the vehicle's chassis level, altering the direction of the beam. According to one variant, such a direct change in the vehicle's chassis level, altering the direction of the beam, is achieved by requiring a change in the load distribution. According to one embodiment, the aforementioned requirement refers to a modification of the given vehicle configuration that causes an indirect change in the vehicle chassis's level, altering the direction of the beam. In another variant, such an indirect change in the vehicle chassis's level, altering the direction of the beam, is linked to a requirement to change the support axis setting. The aforementioned request is made by the vehicle driver according to one variant. The aforementioned request is made automatically according to another variant. Fig. 6 shows a schematic of one embodiment of a device 500. The control unit 100 described with reference to Fig. 4 can, in one embodiment, comprise the device 500. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510, and a read / write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory section 530 in which a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored to control the function of the device 500. The device 500 also includes a bus controller, a serial communication port, an I / O module, an A / D converter, a time and date input and transmission unit, an event counter, and an interrupt controller (not shown). The non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory section 540. A computer program P is provided that includes adjusting the beam direction of a vehicle's headlights based on a given vehicle configuration according to the innovative method. Program P comprises routines that serve to automatically adjust the beam direction by adjusting the vehicle's headlights based on a detected requirement for a change in the given vehicle configuration involving a change in the vehicle's chassis level that alters the beam direction. Program P can be stored in executable or compressed form in a memory 560 and / or in a read / write memory 550. When the present patent description refers to the data processing unit 510 performing a certain function, this is to be understood as the data processing unit 510 executing a certain part of the program stored in memory 560, or executing a certain part of the program stored in read / write memory 550. The data processing unit 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is used for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is used for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 511. The read / write memory 550 is used for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514. Connections to the control unit 100, for example, can be connected to the data port 599. When data arrives at data port 599, it is temporarily stored in the second memory section 540. Once the received data has been temporarily stored, the data processing unit 510 is ready to execute code as described above. The signals arriving at data port 599 can be used by the device 500 to automatically adjust the beam direction of the vehicle headlights based on a detected request for a change in the vehicle configuration, specifically a change in the vehicle's chassis level that alters the beam direction. The procedures described here can be partially carried out by the device 500 using the data processing unit 510, which executes the program stored in the memory 560 or in the read / write memory 550. When the device 500 executes the program, the procedure described here is performed.

Claims

Method for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights (6) of a vehicle (1) based on a given vehicle configuration, characterized by a step in which, based on a detected request for a change in said given vehicle configuration, which includes a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis, an automatic adjustment (S1) of said beam direction is made by readjusting the vehicle's headlights, the method further comprising: transmitting, via a connection (20a), a signal to a means (120) for determining the request, containing data for requesting the change in said given vehicle configuration resulting in the beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis (1), and receiving, via the electronic control unit (100),via a connection (20b) a signal from the means (120) for determining the requirement, which contains adaptation data for adjusting the beam direction based on the determined requirement. Method according to claim 1, wherein the said requirement relates to a change in the said given vehicle configuration which causes a direct beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. Method according to claim 2, wherein the said requirement relates to a load distribution change that causes a direct beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis. Method according to claim 1, wherein the said requirement relates to a change in the said given vehicle configuration which causes an indirect beam direction-changing level change of the chassis of the vehicle. Method according to claim 4, wherein the said requirement relates to a change in the support axis setting which is associated with an indirect beam direction-changing level change of the chassis of the vehicle. Method according to one of the above claims, wherein the said requirement is made by the driver of the vehicle. Method according to one of the above claims, wherein the stated requirement is performed automatically. System (I) for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights (6) of a vehicle (1) based on a given vehicle configuration, characterized by an electronic control unit (100), a means (110) for requesting a change in said given vehicle configuration resulting in a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis, a means (120) for detecting such a request, and a means (130) for automatically adjusting the beam direction with the means (132) on the basis of a detected request for a change in said given vehicle configuration resulting in a beam direction-changing level change of the vehicle's chassis (5) in order to adjust the vehicle's headlights, wherein the electronic control unit (100) is configured toto transmit a signal to the means (120) for determining the requirement via a connection (20a), which contains data for requesting the change of the said given vehicle configuration, which results in the beam direction-changing level change of the chassis of the vehicle (1), and wherein the electronic control unit (100) is configured to receive a signal from the means (120) for determining the requirement via a connection (20b), which contains adaptation data for adjusting the beam direction based on the determined requirement. System according to claim 8, wherein said means (110) for requesting comprises a means (112) for requesting a change in said given vehicle configuration which causes a direct beam direction-changing level change of the chassis (5) of the vehicle. System according to claim 9, wherein said means (110) for requesting comprises a means (112a) for requesting a load distribution change which causes a direct beam direction-changing level change of the chassis (5) of the vehicle. System according to claim 8, wherein said means for requesting comprises a means (114) for requesting a change in said given vehicle configuration which causes an indirect beam direction-changing level change of the chassis (5) of the vehicle. System according to claim 11, wherein said means (110) for requesting comprises a means (114a) for requesting a change in the support axis setting, which is associated with an indirect beam direction-changing level change of the chassis of the vehicle. System according to one of claims 8-12, wherein the means (110) for requesting comprises a means (116) for issuing said request by the driver of the vehicle. System according to one of the above claims, wherein the means (110) for requesting comprises a means (118) for automatically issuing said request. Motor vehicle with a system (I) according to one of claims 8-14. Computer program (P) for adjusting the beam direction of the headlights of a vehicle based on a given vehicle configuration, which contains program code which, when executed by an electronic control unit (100) or by another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), enables the electronic control unit (100) to perform the steps according to claims 1-7. Computer program product comprising a digital storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 16 is stored.

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